MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar’s Deputation Terminated by Maharashtra Govt Amid Exam Row

The Maharashtra government has terminated the deputation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar, days after protests by competitive examination aspirants over alleged question paper leaks and irregularities in the commission’s examinations. According to an order issued by the state General Administration Department on October 1, Harpalkar’s deputation has been ended on the Governor’s instructions for administrative reasons. A separate order regarding his new posting will be issued, the order said.

Harpalkar, a secretary-rank officer, had been appointed as MPSC secretary on deputation for two years. The latest order directs him to immediately hand over charge of the post to another officer with the consent of the commission. MPSC Paper Leak: Rahul Gandhi Backs Protesting Aspirants, Accuses BJP of Failing Youth.

Action Follows MPSC Aspirants’ Protests

The decision comes against the backdrop of growing protests by MPSC aspirants over alleged irregularities in examinations, including allegations linked to question paper leaks and discrepancies in the evaluation of answer sheets.

The demand for Harpalkar’s removal was among the key issues raised by protesting candidates. The Maharashtra government had on September 30 announced that the MPSC secretary would be transferred and that a judicial inquiry would be conducted into the functioning of the commission’s current and former chairpersons and members.

Following discussions between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a delegation of aspirants, the government also announced several measures concerning examination and recruitment processes. The inquiry is to be completed within three months, according to the government’s announcement.

MPSC Exams to Remain Offline

The government has said that MPSC examinations will continue to be conducted in offline mode and that any change would be considered only after discussions with stakeholders. It has also announced plans for a three-year vacancy plan and a recruitment schedule, with the government saying that the process would be finalised within a month. The government further indicated that vacancies would be announced together for three years and that recruitment for posts expected to fall vacant because of retirements would begin in advance.

Aspirants Had Raised Multiple Demands

The protests followed concerns among candidates over the functioning of the commission and alleged irregularities in various examinations. The government has said that further action would be taken based on the findings of the judicial inquiry.

The state has also discussed measures aimed at simplifying the examination process, including a common card for candidates appearing for different examinations and a system to reduce the need for repeatedly submitting the same documents. The termination of Harpalkar’s deputation is the latest administrative action following the government’s engagement with protesting MPSC aspirants. His next posting is expected to be communicated separately.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2026 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).